V70R C70 Convertible Subrame Conversion

[MA'R'K]

Hey folks, been a while since I've been on here....possibly 2 years???:rotfl:

Not much has happened in those 2 years, just been taking advantage of an ultra reliable car after all the work done over the years, not had any issues apart from a blown samco hose!

I have however just passed the 190k mark and with MOT just round the corner I have noticed my front end being very sloppy and clunky..... knackered lower arms etc as per usual. So not to muck about, I decided that all the engine and subframe mounts should be changed... lets say a 'stage 0' on the front chassis. My suspension is only 3 years old and the steering rack only 2 years, so those parts can stay :)

I was considering using a std 2 bolts lower arm subframe with polybushes, however in the end I opted for something a little different.

Just to remind you of the car :biggrin:

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/The%20Machine%20is%20clean%20in%202013/20130420_185208_zpscacf331c.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/The%20Machine%20is%20clean%20in%202013/20130420_185208_zpscacf331c.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/The%20Machine%20is%20clean%20in%202013/20130420_185141_zpseedcd7f3.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/The%20Machine%20is%20clean%20in%202013/20130420_185141_zpseedcd7f3.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/The%20Machine%20is%20clean%20in%202013/20130420_172827_zps59164129.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/The%20Machine%20is%20clean%20in%202013/20130420_172827_zps59164129.jpg.html)

[MA'R'K]

I picked up a complete subframe from a C70 convertible, which has the added bonus of solid subframe mounts along with extra braces to stiffen up the chassis..... in a proper mingin state!

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150226_110811_zpsc9tkufr4.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150226_110811_zpsc9tkufr4.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150227_175134_zpsukfam4i2.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150227_175134_zpsukfam4i2.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150226_184440_zpsia7vm9ks.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150226_184440_zpsia7vm9ks.jpg.html)


Then consulted the trusty Volvo assembly diagrams....


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/Engine%20Mounting%202WD%20GR-279397_zpsx081hswb.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/Engine%20Mounting%202WD%20GR-279397_zpsx081hswb.jpg.html)

[MA'R'K]

All parts then totally degreased with 'Gunk' and heavily jet-washed.....

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150228_173437_zpslgwwcqmx.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150228_173437_zpslgwwcqmx.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150228_173353_zpsjbbgc5me.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150228_173353_zpsjbbgc5me.jpg.html)


I would usually have the subframe blasted & powdercoated, however I didn't want to disturb the solid mounts, so a good few hours of wire-brushing and a number of cans of zinc galvanised spray will do the trick...


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150304_221850_zpsw5qivot3.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150304_221850_zpsw5qivot3.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150307_141344_zps2q5eai9g.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150307_141344_zps2q5eai9g.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150307_164657_zps9atbywaz.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150307_164657_zps9atbywaz.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150308_122258_zpscfjupty2.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150308_122258_zpscfjupty2.jpg.html)

[MA'R'K]

Obviously there are a few subtle differences between the two subframes, with the C70 convertible having an extra 'mount' (can't confirm what for though!) which has a small boxing mount which I decided to remove just in case of any clearance issues....

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150309_143204_zpslqp74cpu.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150309_143204_zpslqp74cpu.jpg.html)

[MA'R'K]

Then I've decided to stick with the 20mm ARB as I just find the 22mm IPD version too stiff for our roads... so decided to add polybushes rather than buying another new one from Volvo. I know what a git these are to change and my std one on the car now is fine but after 50k makes sense to do this while it's easy ;)

I just angle grind the brackets each side to expose the bush, then use a wood saw to cut the majority of the rubber off... followed by a drill paint / varnish stripper (£5 from screwfix - awesome tool!!) to strip the rest of the rubber and paint off the ARB.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150308_184523_zpsvebunkme.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150308_184523_zpsvebunkme.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150308_185935_zpszqcqk4z6.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150308_185935_zpszqcqk4z6.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150309_144100_zpsus2s6l6b.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150309_144100_zpsus2s6l6b.jpg.html)

Painted red..... jobs a good one :)

[MA'R'K]

Then bought a load of new goodies :) ....including new MAF o2 sensor and ANOTHER PAS pump :cussing:

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150311_003008_zpsrbbfqfgw.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150311_003008_zpsrbbfqfgw.jpg.html)

Trick is to remember to buy the correct fixings for the convertible as they have longer subframe bolts etc!!!

[MA'R'K]

....and C70 steering stops so that 18 inch wheels don't rub ;)

[MA'R'K]

I've just got to finish cleaning up the rear frame which bolts up underneath the prop tunnel..... but on the final assembly line now..... in my living room :B_steerin

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225705_zpsbfacvcyn.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225705_zpsbfacvcyn.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225735_zps2zsnftv8.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225735_zps2zsnftv8.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225801_zpsdxpwsk3c.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225801_zpsdxpwsk3c.jpg.html)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225812_zps7jc2f3n7.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150312_225812_zps7jc2f3n7.jpg.html)

[MA'R'K]

I was going to do a full build thread once I've installed it on the car, but I thought I'd ask the question if anyone on here has done this conversion before?

Could anyone advise if I've missed anything?

Cheers folks.... that's it for now :)

[Doingitsideways]

You've not painted the rear part, and you have a length of skirting missing ;)

Looks like a top job though :)

[stribo]

I did look at swapping subframes, or adding the rear strengthener when I had a cabbie, but didn't bother in the end. Looks like you've got all bases covered, apart from a bit of D.I.Y. ;)

[Jamest5r]

Hello stranger :)

[Wobbly Dave]

'ow do! I have sometimes wondered what would happen if I strapped some extra pig iron to my own car

[AshDVS]

Thats a VERY neat looking car and a great idea to swap over to the C70 convertible subframe during normal maintenance work.

[p fandango]

i went for the UR racing braces, looks like the C70 brace inside the subframe would still fit

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy196/pedro-fandango/Volvo/mine/BT/Misc/braces/braces%201_zpsmr03lakf.jpg

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy196/pedro-fandango/Volvo/mine/BT/Misc/braces/braces_zps2rw4m1mu.jpg

[craigoodwood]

Could anyone advise if I've missed anything?


track rod ends ;)

[Dangerous Dave]

Obviously there are a few subtle differences between the two subframes, with the C70 convertible having an extra 'mount' (can't confirm what for though!) which has a small boxing mount which I decided to remove just in case of any clearance issues....

That mount is used for a gearbox mounting, my AWD has one instead of a rear engine mount (as the angle gear is in the way).

You can see the mounting attached to the subframe in the first pic of post #2. It basically bolts to the end of the gearbox.

Not sure why a C70 would have one unless it doesn't have a rear engine support for whatever reason, or maybe it was there for extra bracing like the other C70 parts on the subframe.

[hemihusky]

mmmm tritons! also may i say i looked at your engine bay and fainted! that is shockingly good. lookin forward to seeing if this C70 brace improves it =) i been looking at the ultra racing stuff a lot recently being tempted to stiffen up the old black barge of a T-5R XD

[MA'R'K]

Hi folks.... finished the subframe conversion eventually! All I can say is my car has never gone round corners like this... having done a good few laps of my usual routes over the past days, I can't remember being able to attack certain corners like I can now since I had my go-kart MK2 Golf!

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150339_zpspa1cjj1n.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150339_zpspa1cjj1n.jpg.html)


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150358_zpsdggvwpir.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150358_zpsdggvwpir.jpg.html)


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150510_zpstxpjgxad.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150510_zpstxpjgxad.jpg.html)


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150457_zpsdxrtw7su.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150316_150457_zpsdxrtw7su.jpg.html)


Thanks for all the positive comments as per usual :)

[MA'R'K]

You've not painted the rear part, and you have a length of skirting missing ;)

Looks like a top job though :)

....no I hadn't, very true.... I have now though :)

And yes I do have a lot of decorating to do...... after I've finished suing the surveyors for negligence..... hence the empty house being used as a workshop :mischievo

[MA'R'K]

Hello stranger :)

Hey James...... how the devil are you? Long time no see! I've been silly busy I'm afraid..... trying to get back into the cars atm!

[MA'R'K]

That mount is used for a gearbox mounting, my AWD has one instead of a rear engine mount (as the angle gear is in the way).

You can see the mounting attached to the subframe in the first pic of post #2. It basically bolts to the end of the gearbox.

Not sure why a C70 would have one unless it doesn't have a rear engine support for whatever reason, or maybe it was there for extra bracing like the other C70 parts on the subframe.

I really don't understand why the convertible had this mount.... I was in two minds whether to remove the box section or not..... in the end it was a wise choice though as its very tight down there with the M59 box. This is a fwd manual V70R btw.

[abdul]

nice job

[MA'R'K]

Some dodgy pics of the assembly on the car....

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150318_165906_zpsqcsmhioa.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150318_165906_zpsqcsmhioa.jpg.html)


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150318_170153_zpsgjpfullq.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150318_170153_zpsgjpfullq.jpg.html)

[Wobbly Dave]

Looks very nice. How much does all that extra pig iron weigh?

[Dangerous Dave]

That is some serious bracing :D

Looking good bud!

[MA'R'K]

Looks very nice. How much does all that extra pig iron weigh?

Hi Dave, hope you're well mate, sorry to hear your sad news recently!

It doesn't weigh a great deal as the brackets / plates are already there on std setup.... they are obviously beefed up somewhat though.... and added to the actual braces, I would imagine 10kg more than std? I really should have weighed it :troutslap

[Dangerous Dave]

Was this fitted to all ragtop C70s? There's a few breaking on ebay.....

[MA'R'K]

Was this fitted to all ragtop C70s? There's a few breaking on ebay.....

I originally thought the solid aluminium subframe mounts were only on early ragtops, however this came off a 2000 model so I would imagine it could be across the board?!

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv56/Goshawk79/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150318_165742_zpsm4zrlekl.jpg~original (http://s669.photobucket.com/user/Goshawk79/media/V70R%20C70%20Convertible%20Subrame%20Conversion%20 2015/20150318_165742_zpsm4zrlekl.jpg.html)

When I get around to it, I shall put a full parts list on here for anyone who wants to tackle this :)

[Wobbly Dave]

Another possible mod going on my list - only issue is clearance on my 3 inch cat back - my tunnel brace went in the bin many years ago.

I put the plastic inserts in my sub-frame - but I wonder with over 400bhp I should also need solid ones.

Question springs to mind - can you overstiffen the chassis?

[MA'R'K]

Another possible mod going on my list - only issue is clearance on my 3 inch cat back - my tunnel brace went in the bin many years ago.

I put the plastic inserts in my sub-frame - but I wonder with over 400bhp I should also need solid ones.

Question springs to mind - can you overstiffen the chassis?

That was my concern too when tackling this.... I was originally going to go down the tubular frame route like fandango has, however, I've always strived to set my car up as a road/GT setup so I didn't wan't to go too mad on the stiffening. This is why I've stuck with OEM engine mounts rather than solid..... and also keeping the 20mm ARB with polys rather than a stiff as heck 22mm uprated ARB as they can make the ride very hard.....especially when dealing with potholes etc!

From driving the car for a few days now, this appears to be a good 'fast road' setup, retains the comfort and really helps the line you take into a corner.... and getting power down earlier when coming out of corners :)

I can see your problem with the 3 inch cat back, though I'm sure this would be a good basis to start from, some modifying of the rear fixing plate maybe required, but surely easier (and a heck of a lot more cost effective!!!) than other routes?

[Wobbly Dave]

i may have to forego the rear-most brace for that reason.

[WOODY T5]

Another possible mod going on my list - only issue is clearance on my 3 inch cat back - my tunnel brace went in the bin many years ago.

I put the plastic inserts in my sub-frame - but I wonder with over 400bhp I should also need solid ones.

Question springs to mind - can you overstiffen the chassis?just get some super glue for your tyre's dave it be right lol